Next, cut about 1/2″ off of the top of the garlic. Cut the roots so that the garlic will sit flat. Remove the papery skin from the garlic, but leave enough so that the cloves stay together. Put garlic into a small casserole dish or baking pan, drizzle olive oil over it, and cover with foil. Bake for 1 hour. Whether you’re looking to feed a large crowd or just want something to enjoy with your family, this recipe is sure to please. And with some simple substitutions and variations, you can make it your own and create a dish that is uniquely yours. Use the pulled pork in tacos topped with your favorite toppings (sour cream, guacamole, jalapenos…the possibilities are endless!). Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card. But let’s talk variations! This recipe is incredibly versatile, and you can definitely get creative with it. Here are some ideas:

Pulled pork is meant to be cooked slowly, which means having patience is key when it comes to making this recipe. You should aim to cook the pork shoulder roast for at least 8 hours in a slow cooker or oven for best results. Slow-cooking ensures that the meat becomes tender and absorbs all the flavors.

Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce

When it comes to pairing this dish, bold flavors are key. Its smoky taste pairs perfectly with beer, such as an IPA or stout, which can help cut through the richness of the meat. A glass of red wine or bourbon also goes well with this recipe. If you’ve never had Fridays whiskey glaze, you are in for a massive treat. It’s perfectly sweet and savory with a little spice. Perfectly baste-able and dip-able, it’s about the consistency of maple syrup. To make ahead, let the cooked pulled pork cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze portions of the pulled pork in heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Make sure to label them with the contents and date. While you’re roasting garlic for this recipe, I would go ahead and roast an additional head or two. Roasting garlic completely changes the texture and flavor, and you’ll be wanting to use it in just about everything! Some of my favorite uses are a roasted garlic cream sauce, and roasted garlic hummus. Variations of this recipe Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for about 8 hours, or until the pork is tender enough to pull apart easily with two forks.

STEP TWO: Once it is simmering, add the minced (or roasted) garlic and whisk to combine. Add the remaining ingredients to the pan and stir. Alcohol-free– even though the vast majority (if not all) of the alcohol is cooked off during the reduction process, I understand some of you may not be able to use alcohol. The good news is, you can simply omit it and replace it with an equal amount of water. Minced Garlic– I give instructions on how to roast a head of garlic below. If you want a short cut, you can buy the minced garlic in oil from the grocery store that I always keep on hand.For a classic steak: Some steak purists prefer to enjoy the natural flavors of the meat without the addition of barbecue sauce. Simply season the steak with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices, and let the quality of the meat shine. Add garlic. I don’t like big clumps of garlic in my sauce, so I like to mash the cloves in a bowl first. Remove the cooked pork from the slow cooker and place on a large cutting board. Shred the meat with two forks.